Support for Young People with SEND travelling by public transport

Travelling by public transport allows you to become more independent. This includes travelling by bus and train. It can be a little worrying if you are not used to it, but it is an important thing to build confidence with.

Independent Travel Training

Independent travel training (ITT) can help you to become more confident with travelling on public transport. It helps to provide you with the skills that you need to travel on your own. These can include journey planning, time management and safety skills.

The training is tailored to individual needs. This means that it will help you to work on the skills you need the most. It is likely that you will begin with the journey between your home and school/college. It aims to help increase the choices you have for education and employment. This will also help you to access a range of social activities without relying on other people.

You will get to meet your trainer before you start. They will explain how the programme works and answer any questions you may have. You will be assessed throughout the training to see the progress you are making. There is no 'pass' or 'fail' as everyone is different so not everyone completes the training in the same amount of time.

In Sutton, ITT is provided by KCIL. For more information about KCIL and ITT, visit the Sutton Independent Travel Training website [External Link].

Case Study: The Benefits of Independent Travel Training with Sutton ITT

Introduction:

The Independent Travel Training (ITT) programme, delivered by Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL), has been making a significant impact in the London Borough of Sutton. With two experienced trainers, Naomi and William, the programme is empowering young people to develop the skills and confidence to travel independently. Through workshops, personalized sessions, and practical travel experience, KCIL is transforming the lives of pupils and their families by promoting independence and sustainable travel methods.

Programme Highlights:

This academic year has seen considerable success with KCIL's ITT programme. Key achievements include:

• 9 ITT Workshops conducted across the borough, reaching over 150 parents and children.

• 142 Home-to-School and School-to-Home training sessions delivered by Naomi and William.

• 4 pupils successfully trained, who are now traveling independently.

• A notable increase in community awareness about the importance of independent travel training.

• More young people opting for sustainable travel options like buses and trains.

• Pupils using both travel apps and estimation to determine bus arrival times, enhancing their practical skills

• Pupils learning dynamic problem solving

One notable instance involved a bus breakdown during a training session. Despite the unexpected situation, the pupil with guidance from their travel trainer, handled the challenge admirably, showcasing their growing confidence and ability to adapt.

Impact on Young People and the Community:

The programme’s influence extends beyond just the young people directly involved. The wider Sutton community is becoming more aware of the benefits of independent travel, and young people trained through the programme are leading by example, demonstrating that with the right support, they can travel confidently and safely.

Moreover, the programme contributes to environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of public transportation. As more young people become comfortable using buses and trains, they reduce their reliance on cars, helping to minimize traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions in the area.

 Service User Feedback:

The positive experiences of both parents and pupils reflect the programme’s success:

"K's travel training is going great. K is now more confident and is proud of what he has done

so far. We both can’t wait for the end result. Naomi is great with K and very friendly."

"The service you and the team are providing is invaluable. Your experience and patience help young people to gain some independence in their life."

“The service you and the team are providing is invaluable. Your experience and patience helps young people like N to get some independence in their life. William does a fantastic job”

Looking Ahead:

KCIL aims to continue expanding the programme, taking new referrals for the summer term and school holidays. With a growing waiting list, the organisation is eager to train more young people, helping them develop the life skills they need to access the community independently.

The success of the ITT programme is not only measured by the number of sessions delivered or workshops held, but by the increased independence, confidence, and pride shown by the pupils who complete the training. With each successful journey, they take one step closer to self-reliance, a critical milestone in their personal development.

Parents with children receiving Assisted Travel can self refer or contact the Cognus Assisted Travel team for a Referral form. Contact the Sutton ITT team on 0208 5469603 or via email itt@kcil.org.uk or visit the KCIL website [External Link] for more information.